La Maison Du Whisky Rum (Flag Series) 2004

La Maison Du Whisky Rum (Flag Series) 2004 is a single cask Saint Lucia rum bottled by the venerable French retailer La Maison Du Whisky. Distilled in 2004 and aged 21 years, it comes from the island's pot still tradition and is presented unsweetened at cask strength, a hefty 58.3%, a serious bottling aimed squarely at experienced drinkers.

The pot still origin shows in a profile that runs menthol and medicinal, glue and rubber threaded through roasted, smoky oak, with dried and tropical fruit, herbal notes, pastry and tea emerging underneath. Two decades in ex bourbon have built deep wood and real power, so the palate is dry, mentholic and intensely woody with a long, spicy finish. This is not a gentle pour, it asks for patience and perhaps a drop of water to open the fruit, but it rewards those who love the funky, medicinal end of Saint Lucia with genuine depth and character.